​The Winterforce 2 and Winterforce 2 UV are the latest generation dedicated winter tires from Firestone, and new for winter 2017-2018.

Following up on the original and successful Firestone Winterforce models, which have been on the market for the better part of a decade, the Winterforce 2 continues with a tradition of affordable wintertime performance.

​Similar to the previous generation Winterforce, Winterforce 2 models are named according to vehicle fitment:

- The Winterforce 2 for cars and minivans.
- The Winterforce 2 UV for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks.

The sizing and fitments differ, but the features and technology are consistent across both Winterforce 2 models.

Firestone Winterforce 2 products are distinguished from the majority of alternative winter tires because they are studdable.

The addition of studs is proven to supplement traction on icy and hard packed winter roads, especially. If you reside in a state that permits the use of studs (not all do), the option to efficiently add studs to the Winterforce 2 in response to treacherous road conditions is a real performance advantage.

Without studs installed the Winterforce 2 bears the telltale characteristics of a proper winter tire. In other words, studs aren't required to experience the wintertime driving benefits. (Check out our full Cooper Weather-Master WSC review for feedback on running a studdable winter tire without... studs. The Cooper is a similarly affordable winter tire option.)

​Winterforce 2 highlights include a redesigned full-depth tread pattern, open shoulder slots for snow traction, and copious sipes. Under the surface the Winterforce 2 is constructed of a cold-weather tire compound, which crucially keeps it pliable in sub-freezing conditions. (See The Importance of Snow Tire Compounds for more information.)

​Along with being studdable, the Winterforce 2 stands out from a variety of other winter tire options on price and affordability.

In our OE Jeep Grand Cherokee sizing, the Winterforce 2 UV is about 68% the cost of the Blizzak DM-V2 (from parent company Bridgestone).

And in (passenger car) size 225/55R17, the Winterforce 2 is just 64% the price of the exceptional Michelin X-Ice Xi3.

So what's the catch? Can the Winterforce 2 really deliver the all-round performance of a top tier winter tire at a fraction of the cost?

We predict that without studs installed the Winterforce 2 won't quite be a match for the best in class when it comes to maximum snow and ice traction. Additionally, leading winter tires are well-rounded in ways that the Winterforce 2 might struggle to match. The aforementioned Michelin product, for example, is not only a winter performer, but also achieves excellent fuel economy (low rolling resistance), and is equally or more comfortable than many OE all season or summer tires. It also comes with a 6 year, 36,000 mile treadlife warranty whereas the Winterforce 2 delivers no treadlife warranty.

However, none of these facts should obscure the forest through the trees, so to speak… The Winterforce 2 and Winterforce 2 UV offer distinct wintertime performance advantages over nearly any OE car, truck, or SUV tires. And they're likely the most affordable legitimate winter tires heading into winter 2017-2018.

Both the Winterforce 2 and Winterforce 2 UV are eligible for Firestone's "BUY & TRY 30 DAY GUARANTEE." Meaning you could theoretically acquire the Winterforce 2 in preparation for the first blizzard of the season, and then exchange, or return them for a full refund if they don't meet your performance expectations. That probably won't happen, but you have to appreciate that sort of confidence and guarantee from Firestone...

April 2018 update: After one full winter season on the market, user feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The Winterforce 2 has achieved a 4.7/5 overall rating over at TireBuyer.com with positive performance ratings across the board.

Roll over to our Tire Deals and explore options to potentially make the Winterforce 2 and Winterforce 2 UV even more affordable.

Truck and SUV sales reached an all-time high in 2016. A record 63% of all new car sales.

America has embraced SUVs, but there are diverse reasons for SUV favoritism, and in terms of how those SUVs are used.

The new General Grabber APT offers a range of capabilities reflective of how many truck and SUV drivers accumulate their miles. The Grabber APT isn't a dedicated, 50% on-road/50% off-road all-terrain tire, nor is it strictly street-oriented. Instead, the Grabber APT is for drivers "looking for a tire that is mostly driven on the road during the week but can hold its own during weekend adventures… It offers the best of both worlds with very strong on-road manners but still enough off-road capability to get the job done.” - Travis Roffler, General Tire

​Within the General Tire product range, the Grabber APT slots in between the excellent Grabber HTS60 (street) and quite aggressive Grabber AT2 (all-terrain).

​Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Certification adds to the on-road, year-round appeal of the Grabber APT. (At this time it's unclear if all sizes and specs will meet this objective snow performance criteria.)

When off-road adventure does call, the Grabber APT should be durable enough thanks to high strength construction that reduces the risk of cuts and chips.

We see clear similarities between the Grabber APT and another recent Continental (parent company) product, the Continental TerrainContact A/T; both in terms of design + tread characteristics, and purpose. If our experience with the TerrainContact A/T is any indication, the Grabber APT will be an ideal option for truck and SUV drivers looking to increase versatility with very limited compromise.

Texas House Bill 2774 was aimed at penalizing tire shops and businesses that knowingly install unsafe used tires on motor vehicles.

In the context of the bill, an unsafe used tire was defined as:

- Has less than 1/16" of tread depth- Has a localized worn spot that exposes the ply or cord through the tread- Has a tread or sidewall crack, cut, or snap > 1" long that exposes the tire body cords- Has any visible bump, bulge, or knot indicative of sidewall separation- Has been regrooved or recut below the original groove depth- Has been temporarily repaired with a blowout patch or boot- Has worn treadwear indicators that contact the road in any two adjacent major grooves in the middle of the tire

Of note, the reinstallation of poor condition used tires onto the same vehicle was written in as an exception. In other words, if tires in the described condition were taken off of a vehicle then reinstalled on the same, no problem.

So the Bill was aimed specifically at ending the installation of unsafe used tires onto "new" vehicles. The punishment? A misdemeanor resulting in a fine of $100-$500.

Texas Governor Abbott vetoed the Bill and explained "Texas does not need to impose new criminal penalties on people who put tires on cars."*

Is this yet another example of America not "getting it" on the subject tires? We think so.

In Europe, private motorists face fines and penalties for operating a motor vehicle with inadequate tread, or otherwise unsafe tires. In the U.S., not even the shops who knowingly install such tires are subject to penalty.

To be fair to the shops, our research indicates that they are responding to significant consumer demand. U.S. online search data reveals that searches for "cheap tires" far outnumber searches having to do with tire quality, performance, or safety.

The Governor's veto comes despite the fact that worn/unsafe/degraded tires are the documented leading "mechanical" cause of accidents in the U.S.

A three year study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that when the "critical pre-crash event" was vehicle related, tires (and wheels) were to blame 43.3% of the time.

Roadway laws, and the accordant penalties are aimed at increasing overall safety and protecting motorists. It's hard to reconcile all of those laws, and the veto of a bill that would have illegalized wittingly making roadways definitively more hazardous.

*Speeding 1-5 mph over the limit is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas, punishable by a fine of ~$165.